The famous shrine of Lord Saniswara (Lord Saturn) or Sanaischara (one
who moves slowly) is located 5 kms from Karaikkal under the jurisdiction
of Pondicherry Union Territory. Situated on the south bank of the Kaveri
River, Thirunallar Temple is quite a large one.

Also known as Darbaraneswarar Temple (Lord Shiva is known
as Dharbaranyeshwarar here), it is one of the most famous Lord Shani Temples
though he is not the presiding deity there. It enshrines Lord Shiva as
the main deity. Lord Shiva is known as Darbaranyeswarar here and Goddess
Parvati Devi as Pranamambika. She is worshipped in a separate shrine near
the one dedicated to Saniswara.

Tirunallar Shani temple is associated to many myths. This
is the only temple in the world where Lord Shani lost his power to Lord
Shiva in order to save his devotee Nala from Saturn’s curses. According
to a legend, King Nala was badly affected with numerous problems. Narada
said that this was the result of Lord Sanisvara's displeasure and advised
Nala to go on pilgrimage. When he came to Tirunallar, he took a holy dip
at the temple tank Nala Theertham and the influence of Lord Sanisvara
left him and he was cured. After this incident, he made great gifts to
the temple, building structure and instituting fesitvals.

This belief is carried over even today and thousands of
people visit this temple to get rid of their troubles inflicted by Saturn.

Tirunallar is one of the 7 Saptavitanka stalams of Tyagaraja
connected with the Mucukunda Chola legend. The place was originally called
as Darbaranyam or the place in a forest of Kusa grass (Darbam).

The temple which stands on the south bank of the Kaveri,
is quite a large one. In its vicinity there are many other celebrated
temples too, the Mariamman, the Pidariar, the Ayyanar. Also, there are
many well known tanks, some of Puranic Celebrity.

Thirunallar temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram and
faces east. Around the compound wall are trenches, which have been silted
now. The inner gopuram is known as ‘Kattai Gopuram’ and it is near the
shrine of Saniswara. Inside the shrine, he faces east with `Abhaya Varada
Hastham' and is considered the 'Anugraha Murthi' (one who bestows good
things). His idol is placed in between the presiding deities.

Thousands of devotees from all over the country thronged
the Dharbaneeswarar Temple to worship Lord Saneswarar on the occasion
of 'Sani Peyarchi'. Sanipeyerchi, the transit of Saturn from the Zodiac
of Leo to Virgo, is celebrated once in two and a half years. On this day,
Saneeswarar’s deity is taken in a procession around the town. Devotees
after having a dip at the Nalatheertha had darshan of the presiding deity
during Mahadeeparadhana at the time of the transit.

There are shrines to Sundarar and to Lord Thyagaraja
among many others. Thyagarajar shrine is found at the southern entrance.
Inside of the temple, there are paintings as well as portraits of royal
patrons.

Aapart from 'Sanipeyarchi', the temple hosts a number
of festivals throughout the year. Among them, the main festival, is held
for 18 days in the Tamil month of Vaikasi. Navaratri, Kartikai Deepam
and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated here with much devotion.